New Delhi: Leaders across political parties extended wishes on Goa liberation day which commemorates the coastal state's freedom from Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961. On this occasion, President Droupadi Murmu tweeted, "On Goa Liberation Day, I convey my greetings to all fellow citizens, especially the people of Goa. We pay homage to the freedom fighters who fought for liberation of Goa from colonial rule. We salute our armed forces for their valour. My best wishes to the people of the state."
"On the Goa Liberation Day greetings to the people of Goa. On this day, we recall the courage and monumental contribution of all those who were a part of the movement to free Goa. We are inspired by their vision and are working towards Goa’s development," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also wished on Twitter recalling the brave souls who fought for Goa's freedom. "Greetings to our sisters and brothers of Goa on 'Goa Liberation Day'. Remembering all those brave hearts who worked hard to free Goa from foreign rule, I bow to their valor and courage," Shah tweeted.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also extended greetings on the occasion of the state's Liberation Day and said they were steadily inching closer toward the dream of a "Golden Goa".
"It is a pride to be a part of the progressive journey of Goa's Development. We are steadily inching closer to our dream of a 'Golden Goa'. Warm greetings to the people of Goa on the occasion of #GoaLiberationDay," Sawant wrote on Twitter.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also recalled that 'Operation Vijay' took place 61 years ago under the political leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to liberate Goa.
"61 years ago, under the political leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, our Armed Forces carried out “Operation Vijay” to liberate Goa. Greetings to the people of Goa on #GoaLiberationDay, tweeted Kharge.
'Operation Vijay'
Goa had remained a renowned port for trade as well as military operations of the Portuguese, who ruled the region for over four and a half centuries. Even as the people did not revolt against the Portuguese as on record in the 18th and 19th centuries, it was only on June 18, 1946, that the movement for the liberation of Goa gained steam as socialist Dr Ram Manohar Lohia joined Goans in their struggle. It is why June 18 is celebrated in the state as Goa Revolution Day.
The Portuguese rule came to an end with the military's 'Operation Vijay' on this day. As part of Operation Vijay, the Indian military forces used the armed forces trifecta with the help of local resistance movements to throw out European rulers from the country.
For liberating Goa and Daman and Diu from the clutches of Portugues, the tri-services of the Indian Armed Forces carried out a 36-hour military operation popularly known as Operation Vijay. The operation began on December 18, 1961, and concluded on December 19, 1961.
The Indian Army made its way to Goa from the East and North while the Indian Air Force bombed Dabolim-based airbase of the Portuguese rulers. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy to gaurd the area and secured access to Mormugao harbour and Anjadip island to prevent the Portuguese warships from taking any action.